Chinese Spring Festival, year of the Fire Horse. Government of Canada imageAdobeStock_880566861 (1) [Converted]
FORT McMURRAY – Chinese Spring Festival and Lunar New Year celebrations begin today, ushering in the Year of the Horse under the element of fire, a pairing traditionally associated with energy, determination and renewal.
The Lunar New Year follows the first new moon of the lunar calendar and launches the 15 day Spring Festival. In the Chinese zodiac cycle, the horse symbolizes endurance, resilience and forward momentum. This year pairs the animal sign with the heavenly stem Bing, or fire, often linked to vitality and bold action.
Combined with the fire element, followers say the year points to passion, boldness and transformative change.
And change is already in the air, as China has dropped visa entry requirements for tourists holding Canadian passports thispast weekend.
Beginning at 12 a.m. Beijing time on Feb. 17 and running through Dec. 31, 2026, Canadians with ordinary passports may enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The exemption applies to travel for business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange and transit purposes, according to a notice from China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. Individuals who do not meet the stated requirements must still obtain a visa prior to travel.
The policy marks a notable shift in travel rules between the two countries. Perviously, most Canadian travellers, visiting China has typically required a formal application process, documentation and fees.
The visa waiver was first referenced in January following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office at the time said Carney welcomed China’s commitment to introducing visa free access for Canadians.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand later confirmed the policy and said the change would make travel easier, support business exchanges and strengthen people to people ties.
The renewed partnerships have also been reflected provincially.
Last week, the Chinese Consulate General in Calgary hosted Spring Festival celebrations in Edmonton and Calgary, welcoming members of the Chinese diaspora, government representatives, business leaders and community organizations.
Held in Edmonton at the Chateau Lacombe, the event featured traditional dance, Chinese opera and a Tai Chi demonstration. Red lanterns, calligraphy and horse themed decorations transformed the ballroom in recognition of the 2026 zodiac year.
Madame Zhao Liying, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary, described the holiday as a moment of reflection and renewal and noted what she called improvements in Canada China relations over the past year. Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani and Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo MLA Tany Yao were among those in attendance.
In the RMWB celebrations will continue; a separate Chinese New Year banquet gala is scheduled for March 1 at MacDonald Island in Fort McMurray, where residents will gather for food, performances and cultural displays, and marking the start of an exciting Year of the Fire Horse.
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